Brodie Helmet for a Machine Gunner with Mail Visor

Date1916–1917

Mediumsteel, with leather and paint

Dimensions17.8 × 28.6 × 31.1 cm (7 × 11 1/4 × 12 1/4 in.), 2 lb 6 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsBlack spade painted on a black-bordered, white diamond (2 1/16" H). Located on mid-front. Accession number "83.02.1" in white on interior at crown of skull.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1131

DescriptionIn profile and overhead, of ovoid shape. Rounded , shallow skull stamped from one piece of steel, with integral, slightly downturned narrow brim. The edge of this is fitted with turned-over reinforcing strips, butted at the front. The liner-retaining rivet at the apex of the skull has been replaced. At either side, above the ears, is a single dome-headed rivet to which would be secured a small hook (lacking) to retain the mail face guard. The chin strap retainer is also fitted onto this rivet. This guard, approximately 2 3/4" H x 8"W, is secured to a thin wire worked through the upper row of rings, attached in turn to four hinge-like brass retainers, themselves each riveted to the anterior edge of the helmet with a pair of rivets. These rivets differ from the pair at the sides in being lower, with flattened heads. The mail shield is formed completely of butted rings of drawn steel wire in the usual configuration of five-ring construction. The lower terminals of the mail shields are fitted with two lengths of brass chain, the links of which are of figure-8 shape, twisted 90 degrees, and crimped together. That of the proper right is made of six links, the proper left of eight. The terminal link of each has been crimped to the chin strap fixture by the previous owner.
ProvenanceGift of Mr. Joshua Stoff (7 Millstream Lane, Stonybrook, NY 11790) on May 11, 1983. Previously purchased at a gun show at Melville, NY, 1978. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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